Ep. 328. Philippians 1-2 | He Who Began A Good Work

EPISODE 328

HE WHO BEGAN A GOOD WORK IN YOU: PHILIPPIANS 1-2

In the opening chapter of the letter to the Philippians, I am struck by Paul's words, "It is my eager expectation and hopes that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." I want so desperately to view the riches of Christ from this perspective and to long so fully for him that I could say with all sincerity, "To die is gain." In this world, we often consider beautiful but temporary things to be our highest treasures. However, the reality is that to die and be with Christ is gain, is more, is greater than anything we can know or imagine on this side of heaven. I want to hold such an eternal perspective that everything I call blessings and all those things that cause me to suffer will be shaped by the truth and beauty of my Christ the King and his eternal kingdom.

If you have ever been to our church, you know I don't go very many weeks without referencing the second chapter of Philippians. Here again, I find another attitude in myself I want to have conformed to that of Christ. Paul reminds the believer, "Have this attitude in yourself which is also in Christ Jesus." The "attitude" contemplated in this particular text is that of a servant. We are to serve as Christ served, in obedience to God, even to the point of death. I try to remind myself that Jesus's death glorified God, that Lazarus was allowed to die for the glory of God, that even Peter's death was going to be for the glory of God, and if "to die is gain" then I long for my life and even my death to be for the glory of God.

ADDITIONAL READING: Isaiah 45:23-25; 2 Timothy 4:6; Colossians 1:24